WRITER IS A WRITER before, as well as after, publication. Any number of how-to books combined may not give a writer the one priceless bit of clarity that can make the difference between being published or not. Rejection by an editor or agent seldom yields the reason as to why a manuscript doesn't grab them, and almost never reveals how it can be fixed to ensure it will.

Founded and run by professional writers the SCWC provides veteran and emerging talent with authoritative critique to help distinguish those manuscripts that are ready for market consideration, facilitating nearly $4 million worth of first-time authors' book and screen deals. With extended one-on-one evaluation of advance submissions and dozens of read & critique and Q&A workshops uniquely defying the "us versus them," academia-style cattle drives found at similar events, the SCWC is among the only writing conferences in the country specifically tailored to provide comprehensive feedback on your work.

Along with the read & critiques run during each session, many interactive problem-solving and assignment-oriented workshops are also available. And since the surroundings of the conference afford it – and since we most certainly encourage it – plenty of other opportunities await those attending to sidle up next to editors, agents, executives, and other writers joining us to discuss things on a more intimate level.

So whether you're a writer who can't figure why your work's not working, a writer simply in search of some answers, a writer wanting feedback on what you've written, a writer who doesn't know where to start, or just a writer who wants to hang with other writers, do yourself a favor and join us for the 22nd Annual Southern California Writers' Conference (and Retreat) in San Diego.

Your words are worth it!

Latest News as of 6/19/08
>> View Printable Online Brochure  I  SCWC .COMmunity Blog
>> View Proper Manuscript Format Sample  I  MSG on Writing a Synopsis
>> JJ on "Pitch" Conferences  I  MSG on Choosing the Write Conference
>> Book your Crowne Plaza Hotel room online here (use code SCW)

[ Note: Agents wanting to participate contact Michael Steven Gregory only if you're accepting clients. There are plenty of other conferences that provide reps who have no sincere intent of acquiring new clients with free weekends at nice hotels in desireable locales. The SCWC is not one of them. ]

GOOD "MUSE" & EARLY, EARLY "BARD" DISCOUNT: As the bulk of the staff, including cherished old friends and new, won't be posted until the week following our SCWC*LA6 event, the only good "muse" we have to report is the following awesome items: SD22 award-winning conferee Gayle Carline, also an alumni of SD21, PS3 and LA5, has just closed a deal for her novel Freezer Burn, a murder-mystery, with Echelon Press. It was at this year's San Diego event that Gayle and the house's publisher, Karen Syed, hooked up. Gayle frequently pops into the SCWC blog, so be sure to drop by and give her a big, sloppy, cyber hug. Good job Gayle and Karen! . . . SD20, 22 & 23, as well as PS 1,2 & 3 conferee, SCWC award-winning author Dodi Cross reports that her book, A Broad Abroad in Thailand: An Expat's Misadventures in the Land of Smiles, was awarded the Silver Medal in the Humor Category at the recent BookExpoAmerica. The win was extended by ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Awards. Dodi also nabbed First Place in the National Indie Excellence Book Awards, 2008, for Best Autobiography and placed as a Finalist in the Humor Category. Way to go-go-go, Dodi! . . . From SD19, where he landed ever-industrious agent Sally van Haitsma, beating out such literary luminaries as novelist/screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga (Babel, 21 Grams, Amores Perros and The Three Burials of Melquiadas Estradas) and Cristina Garcia (Dreaming in Cuban), Raul Ramos nabbed the coveted Best Novel (Adventure or Drama) English trophy at the 2008 International Latino Book Awards for his riveting America Libre. Shweeet! . . . Oh, and one other thing... Register before Sept 1, 2008 and knock a whopping $100 off Full Conference participation — a savings of nearly half-a-tank of gas! As usual, you, the Early Bards, are worth it. Now go to the registration page and get it done.

SCWC*SD 22 Award Recipients:

• OUTSTANDING FICTION >> Phyllis Brown

  from Fresno, CA for The Gold Beaded Box

• OUTSTANDING FICTION >> Tameri Etherton

  from Carlsbad, CA for The Temple of Ardyn

• OUTSTANDING FICTION >> Susan Ram

  from San Diego, CA for Season of the Cicada

• OUTSTANDING FICTION >> Lynne Spreen

  from Hemet, CA for Firefall

• TALES FROM THE FIRE >> Nicole Ward

  from San Diego, CA for Untitled

• TOPIC >> Gayle Carline

  from Placentia, CA for EmMessGee and Wah (read here)

SCWC*SD 23 LOCATION: The conference will be held again at the Crowne Plaza San Diego (formerlly Red Lion Hanalei) resort, located mere moments away from Lindbergh Field International Airport, Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, historic Old Town, downtown and its famous Gaslamp District, and beaches, beaches, beaches galore! Dates are Presidents' Day Weekend, Feb. 13-16, 2009. Lodging discounts are available to SCWC conferees. Phone 800-972-2802 to book your reservation, or click here (use code SCW). We often sell out the hotel, so make your reservation sooner than later.

SCWC*SD 23 SCHEDULE: As always, you can rest assured that plenty of workshops, read & critique, one-on-ones and more will fill the schedule in 2009. We're even changing a few things around to bolster your conference experience. Check it out here.

SCWC*SD 23 STAFF: In addition to the many familiar Workshop Leaders returning in 2009, as usual we'll have several new folks rolled into the fold. Check 'em out here when they're announced.

GUEST SPEAKERS: Check here to learn about who all's aboard for SCWC*SD 23, when they're announced.

HERE'S WHERE you can check everything out:

• Workshop Leaders, Readers & Panelists - SCWC*SD 23
• Conference Schedule - SCWC*SD 23
• Registration - SCWC*SD 23
• Frequently Asked Questions - SCWC*SD 23

THAT'S ALL for now.  Do check the website for updates and be sure to remit your postal address to receive our free brochure. For more information, address your question to someone specific on the contact page, or phone (619) 303-8185.